Feijoada, a traditional Brazilian dish made with a combination of meat, beans, and spices, is a popular meal among all Brazilians. The recipe originated from African slaves, who would cook with leftovers from their plantation owner’s meals. In this guide, a step-by-step recipe is provided for the best Brazilian feijoada. The ingredients include black beans, linguiça, carne seca, pork ribs, beef sirloin, onion, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Making feijoada is a labor of love, but the end result is worth it. Serve it with white rice, chopped green onions, sliced oranges, and hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
The Best Brazilian Feijoada Recipe You’ll Ever Taste
Introduction
Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian dish that originated from African slaves who would cook with leftovers from their plantation owner’s meals. It quickly became a popular dish among all Brazilian natives, with each region having its own variation. This hearty stew is made with a combination of meat, beans, and spices, making it a filling meal that is perfect for any occasion. In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step recipe for the best Brazilian feijoada you’ll ever taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of black beans
- 1 pound of linguiça (smoked Portuguese sausage)
- 1 pound of carne seca (dried salted meat)
- 1 pound of pork ribs
- 1 pound of beef sirloin
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Meat
In a large pot, add the pork ribs and beef sirloin. Cover the meat with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiled, remove the meat from the pot and rinse under cool water to remove any excess foam. Return the meat to the pot and add the linguiça and carne seca. Cover with water and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
In a separate pot, add the black beans with enough water to cover them. Boil for 2 minutes and then set aside to soak for at least 1 hour. Drain the black beans and add them to the pot of meat.
Step 3: Mix the Spices
In a small bowl, mix the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper together.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Add the diced onions, minced garlic, bay leaves, and mixed spices to the pot of meat and beans.
Step 5: Simmer the Feijoada
Cover the pot and simmer for 2 hours or until the beans are tender and the meat falls off the bone. Stir occasionally and add more water as necessary to maintain a consistent level throughout the cooking process.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your feijoada in a bowl with some white rice, chopped green onions, sliced oranges, and hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Making feijoada is a labor of love, but the end result is worth it. This hearty and flavorful stew is a great option for any occasion, whether it be a family meal or a big gathering. Remember to experiment with your own spices and meats to make your feijoada unique to your own tastes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a true taste of Brazil.